DWI VIP

Local law enforcement officers and community volunteers will be recognized tonight, following a dinner at Bohn's Restaurant, by the DWI Victim Impact Panel.

The honorees have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to reduce drunk driving.

This year, the following people are being recognized with the Exceptional Service Award:

• Village of Holley Police Officer Karol Hughes, for 14 DWI arrests in the Village of Holley.
• Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin McCarthy, 100-percent conviction rate for 30 DWI arrests.
• New York State Trooper David Wesolowski for 31 DWI arrests.

The Above and Beyond Award goes to:

• New York State Trooper Matt Luft for his life-saving actions in the town of Murray. Trooper Luft responded to a call involving a rollover vehicle that came to rest in a swamp. The driver was partially submerged under water and intoxicated. Trooper Luft cut the seatbelt and pulled him to safety.

The Honor and Appreciation Award goes to:

• Darien Town Justice Gary Graber for his relentless fight to increase accountability of those arrested for underage drinking. He has worked tirelessly to encourage support of tougher legislation that addresses underage drinking and marijuana use.

The Kathy Seymour Volunteer Service Award goes to:

• Korey Kustes who has endured years of physical and emotional trauma resulting from injuries he sustained in a drunk-driving crash. Kustes has allowed his persoanl setback to be made public so that others may learn from his experiences.

The DWI Victim Impact Panel (VIP) educates offenders on the consequences of drunk driving. Panel members are volunteers who directly address the audience revealing how their lives have been forever changed by the actions of a drunk driver. The audience is typically comprised of people convicted of DWI offenses in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

For more information about the VIP, to volunteer or attend, contact Laura Ricci at 815-1883.